Welcome to a New Year with NAPHA
As we begin a new year, the NAPHA Board would like to wish all of our members a happy, healthy, and successful 2026. January is a time to reflect on where we’ve been and to look ahead with purpose. This year brings important conversations, opportunities, and decisions that will help shape the future of our association.
In the coming months, members will be asked to share feedback on several topics that impact our shows, our exhibitors, and the long-term growth of the Peruvian Horse in the United States. Your voice matters, and member input continues to be a critical part of how NAPHA moves forward.
Thank you in advance for your continued involvement, passion, and commitment to NAPHA. We look forward to a strong year ahead and hope to see many of you in the show ring soon!
— The NAPHA Board of Directors
Board Update
We are pleased to welcome Mitch Dubois as our newly elected Board Member, and Nancy Cox as our newly appointed Board Member. We thank both Mitch and Nancy for stepping forward to serve and for their commitment to the continued growth and success of NAPHA.
We would also like to sincerely recognize and thank our outgoing Board Members, Silvia Gomez-Silva and Kerry McGinley, for their time, leadership, and dedication to NAPHA and its members. We are grateful for the work they have done on behalf of the organization.
— The NAPHA Board of Directors
Member Input Requested
The NAPHA Board is currently reviewing several important topics that impact our shows, exhibitors, and the future of our organization, and we are asking for your input. Member input plays a vital role in helping guide thoughtful and informed decision-making.
We invite all members to take a few moments to share their perspective by completing the following surveys:
- Laureado Awards — Provide input on the current rule and potential changes.
- Show Points — Share your thoughts on point multipliers and championship structure.
- Amateur Division Structure — Weigh in on options for the amateur divisions moving forward.
Each survey is linked on the NAPHA website. We encourage you to participate and make your voice heard. Member input is an important part of this process, and all feedback will be thoughtfully reviewed as the Board works toward decisions that best serve the membership as a whole.
NAPHA Online Membership Directory is Now Live!
We’re excited to announce that the new NAPHA Online Membership Directory is officially live on the NAPHA website! This updated, searchable directory makes it easier than ever to connect with fellow members across the country. You can search by state, services offered, or both. Whether you are looking for breeders, trainers, show services, or regional contacts, it is all now at your fingertips.
If you would like to have your information included, please take a moment to complete the submission form on the NAPHA website. Once submitted, your listing will be added to the directory.
We are excited to continue strengthening our network and supporting our members.
Apply for a $400 NAPHA Outreach Grant!
Most potential horse buyers begin their search close to home, which means local promotion of the Peruvian Horse is more important than ever. To support our clubs and members in showcasing this amazing breed, NAPHA is pleased to offer a $400 grant to help fund Meet the Peruvian Horse events and other outreach activities.
Whether you are planning demonstrations, educational presentations, or community engagement activities, this grant is designed to help you share the beauty and versatility of the Peruvian Horse with new audiences.
Clubs interested in applying can complete the Outreach Grant Application, which includes basic event information, volunteer and sponsor lists, activity plans, and your publicity strategy. After your event, we ask that clubs submit a visitor log (if available) and a short event write-up for inclusion in a future NAPHA newsletter.
This is a wonderful opportunity to grow our community and introduce more people to our incredible breed. We encourage all clubs to participate!
Regional Club Spotlight: Celebrating Our Community Across the Country
Regional Club Presidents are invited to submit photos and brief write-ups of your recent or upcoming events. Whether it’s a show, trail ride, clinic, or community outreach effort, we’d love to share your story. Please send your submissions directly to Bill Willis at [email protected].
Joy of Riding
Congratulations to SRS Emisario, High Hour Horse, and Nancy Cox, High Hour Rider overall!!!
Peruvian Horse in the Spotlight
We are excited to share that the Peruvian Horse was recently featured on Horse Capital TV, introducing our remarkable breed to a broader equestrian audience. The spotlight highlights the Peruvian Horse’s distinctive movement, versatility, and rich heritage. This is a fantastic opportunity to increase visibility and awareness beyond our own community.
A special thank you to Silvia Gomez-Silva for her efforts in helping make this feature happen and for her continued advocacy for our breed.
We encourage all members to watch, like, and share the video on social media to help amplify this exposure and promote the Peruvian Horse.
The Experience of Horse Camping
Looking for a new way to enjoy your Peruvian Horse beyond the show ring? In this feature, Chelsey Schaal shares a heartfelt and inspiring look at horse camping, where trail rides, campfires, friendship, and unforgettable memories come together. From simple beginnings to cherished traditions, her story is a reminder of the versatility of the Peruvian Horse and the incredible community that surrounds it. We invite you to enjoy the photos and read on — you might just be inspired to plan your own horse camping adventure.
Here is Chelsey’s story…
With so much happening in the world, one tradition I deeply look forward to each year is not only trail riding my wonderful Peruvian horses, but also camping alongside them (in my horse trailer, not in their stalls with them LOL). Most recently, our group gathered for a surprise birthday party, where 16 fellow Peruvian horse owners came together to celebrate a truly special friend.
Many people believe that without a living quarters trailer, they cannot participate in such events and must settle for day rides. I would like to share that my mother and I began our journey with a three-horse bumper pull trailer, equipped with bunk beds custom-built by my stepfather. We used the first stall for camping storage and the rear tack for horse supplies and equipment. For those starting out, I recommend selecting campgrounds that provide electricity and water at each site, along with full bathrooms featuring toilets and showers. These amenities greatly enhance the initial camping experience. Over time, as our passion for horse camping grew, we gradually upgraded to our current living quarters trailer.
Allow me to share some unspoken camp rules and paint a picture of waking up at horse camp. The earliest riser is responsible for starting the morning fire and preparing the coffee. In our group, this is often Mitch Dubois; if you have not had the pleasure of meeting Mitch and his remarkable wife Rebecca, you are truly missing out. Preparing coffee at camp is a ritual — far from simply pressing a button. We use a percolator over the fire, and if you have never tried campfire percolated coffee, you are missing a delightful experience. Some of us prefer to add a bit of Baileys as creamer, while others opt for traditional creamer or take it black. Another rule: no alarms are allowed. Each person wakes at their leisure, enjoys their coffee, tends to their horses, and begins the morning chores. There is no better sound than horses contentedly munching on fresh hay.
After the horses are fed and cared for, we gather around the campfire for breakfast. Some prefer a hearty meal, such as eggs and bacon cooked in a cast-iron pan over the fire; others choose a lighter option, like a banana or yogurt. Regardless of the choice, we share conversation and begin planning our ride for the day.
Once a time is selected to be saddled and ready, we disperse to prepare our mounts for the adventure ahead. We pack our snacks and beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, and set off. Our rides typically last a few hours, and there is truly nothing better than hitting the trails, breathing in fresh air, and enjoying the camaraderie of friends and horses. Along the way, we share stories, laughter, and support one another, especially those riding younger horses, encouraging safe and enjoyable experiences.
Upon returning to camp, we untack, hose down the horses, and let them settle back into their pens for an afternoon break. Riders also prepare their lunches and once again gather around the campfire. Some may opt for an afternoon ride, while others choose to relax at camp for the remainder of the day. The enjoyment continues into the evening, when we often organize a potluck — a highlight for any food enthusiast. With our appetites satisfied, we gather around the fire to enjoy each other’s company, and, as is tradition, finish the evening with s’mores — a staple of any camping trip.
As our trip concludes and we pack up to head home, I find myself feeling rested and refreshed, my heart full of joy, love, and happiness. My mind is brimming with memories that will last a lifetime, and my friendships have grown stronger. I encourage you to find the courage to try something new; and most of all get out there and ride your incredible Peruvian horse(s).
— Chelsey Schaal
Upcoming Show Dates
Here is a list of upcoming shows. Visit the NAPHA events page for more information.
NAPHA Board of Directors
Whether it’s a show, trail ride, clinic, or community outreach effort, NAPHA would love to share your story. Send submissions to Bill Willis at [email protected].
